Andy Rooney Passes Away at 92

The 60 Minutes mainstay known to generations for his wry, humorous and contentious TV essays - a unique genre he is credited with pioneering - died just over a month after he announced his retirement from the long-running news program.

"It's a very sad day at 60 Minutes and for everybody here at CBS News," said Jeff Fager, chairman of CBS News and the executive producer of 60 Minutes.

"It's hard to imagine not having Andy Rooney around. He loved his life and he lived it on his own terms. We will all miss him very, very much."

On October 2, he made his 1,097th and last appearance on 60 Minutes. “I wish I could do this forever,” he said, admitting he's dreaded his retirement.

Poignantly, but with vintage curmudgeonly humor, he closed that final segment by thanking his fans, of which there are millions, young and old.

That said ... “If you see me in a restaurant, please, just let me eat my dinner.”